Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern Style Murano Glass and Brass Italian Commode
Located in Madrid, ES
Seven-drawer chest made by hand with original solid wood structure of the 1950s. Coated in colored glass and profiles, handles and brass legs.
Every item LA Studio offers is checked...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Pair of Rosewood Nightstand Design by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Design
Located in New York, NY
The tables can also be used as nightstand piece.
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Travail Populaire Folk Art Wabi-Sabi Monoxylite Cupboard, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rustic; Robust; Wabi Sabi; Travail Populaire; Folk Art; Travail Art Populaire; Cabinet; Storage Piece; Storage Unit; Wood; France; Monoxyle; Hand Carved; Organic; Alpine; Luxury Chal...
Category
19th Century English Antique Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Solid Wood and Glass Italian Pair of Bedside Tables by L.A. Studio
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
An elegant pair of bedside tables designed and produced by L.A Studio Interiorismo. Structure made of solid wood claded in white and gold glass wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Schrank Midcentury Heinrich Riestenpatt RT Möbel Kommode Teak
By RT Möbel
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage (Aufsatz-) Schrank/ Kommode von RT Möbel aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Heinrich Riestenpatt und zeichnet sich dur...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Chatol Made In Oak & With Brass Handles From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Chatol in oak and brass handles, from England around 1840. The furniture is in nice antique condition.
Measurements in cm: H:109 W:120 D:60
Category
1840s English Antique Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Swedish Wooden Cabinet, 1940s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Swedish Wooden Cabinet, 1940s
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Style Solid Wood Colored Glass and Brass Italian Sideboard
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian sideboard composed of two folding doors and one shelve inside. Original wood structure from 1950s covered with colored glass. Handles, profiles and legs made of solid brass. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid Century dresser with blue worked glass and four drawers, 1960s
Located in Premariacco, IT
Italian cabinet with four large drawers decorated with brass handles and workmanship along the fronts.
Note the beautiful blue processed glass top.
Normal signs due to age and use ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers, Teak, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers, Teak, 1960s
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Maison Regain Chests of Drawers or Nightstands in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, chests of drawers or night stands, solid elm, France, 1970s
Stunning French storage units executed in solid elm, designed by Maiso...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Typical French Chest of Drawers circa 1960 in Mahogany, Lacquered Metal Handles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Typical French chest of drawers circa 1960 in mahogany, lacquered metal handles.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Snakeskin Commode in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Python skin covered chest of drawers set on later silver leaf base. Provenance: Collection of Vincent Petragnani. Senior designer of Ethan Allen.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Animal Skin
Mid-Century Modern Style Italian Commode by L.A. Studio
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary commode, designed by L.A. Studio, features a sleek design with four drawers. Crafted from an original wood structure dating back to the 1950s, it is elegantly adorn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Chest of Drawers Made with Mate Oak by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Cocktail collection is inspired by the homologous drink which consists of a mixture of different drinks. This collection is, in itself, a conglomerate of shapes and materials, an...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Dunbar, a pair
Located in Hudson, NY
A simple and classic pair of drawers by Dunbar. Mahogany finish with clean lines, defined angles and beautiful inset drawer pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
$6,300 / set
Mid Century Style Solid Wood and Brass Surface Italian Commode
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This Italian commode showcases a sophisticated design with a wooden structure finished in brass and accented with black glass. Featuring two drawers, it merges luxurious materials wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Style Solid Wood and Brass Surface Italian Commode
By L.A. Studio
Located in Madrid, ES
Brass and wooden commode composed of two drawers, made of solid wood covered in brass and black glass.
Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our te...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Spring Anglo Indian Blue Three Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
This stunning three-drawer dresser is entirely handmade, featuring intricate bone inlay spiral leaf patterns that are nothing short of breathtaking. The dresser is not only visually ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bone, Wood
$2,384 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Chest of Drawers
Located in Paris, FR
Mid-Century chest of drawers in solid exotic wood opening by seven drawers in the style of Jacques Adnet (1901-1984).
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence Wavy Front Nightstands in Birch
Located in Dallas, TX
Introduce timeless elegance to your bedroom with Edmond Spence's Wavy Front Nightstands in Birch, exclusively available at circa20c. These mid-century modern masterpieces beautifully...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Birch
Midcentury Style Italian Commode Made of Solid Wood Colored Glass and Brass
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This large Italian commode features a classic design with seven drawers. The original wood structure dates back to the 1950s and is elegantly covered with colored glass, adding a tou...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage Swedish Bedside Cabinets
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of vintage Swedish bedside cabinets. They were recently imported from Sweden, they date from the 1950’s.
The quality is superb, there are a lovely size and have a v...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
$1,380 / set
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers
Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Charlotte Perriand, Chest of Drawers Les Arcs, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Charlotte Perriand (attributed to), a chest of drawers in solid pine, circular handles, LES ARCS circa 1960
chest of drawers : 71 x 50 x 46 cm.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
walnut and Brass Chest of Drawers, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
walnut and brass chest of drawers, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1960 Chest of Drawers by Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Oak veneer with sliding lacquered doors.
- The upper surface is glued black glass.
- Design by Jirí Jiroutek 1958-production Fa Interior Prague Czechoslovakia.
- Good original...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Glass, Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Wood and Brass Italian Commodes
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This pair of Mid-Century Modern style Italian commodes showcases a classic design from the 1950s, featuring solid wood construction accented with brass. Each commode is elegantly des...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Cesare Augusto Nava, Mobile contenitore (esemplare unico), anni '70
Located in Rivoli, IT
Particolare mobile contenitore realizzato dall'architetto Cesare Augusto Nava negli anni '70. Esemplare unico.
Struttura in legno, aperture a serranda.
L'apertura massima del mobile ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Uniflex Q Range Chest of Draws by Gunther Hoffstead/1960’s Chest of Draws
Located in London, Lambeth
Uniflex Q range chest of drawers by Gunther Hoffstead.
The Danish designer Gunther Hoffstead designed for the small innovative firm of Uniflex in the early 1960s. He designed some of the most modern looking pieces in the UK at this time. The Q Range is one of the best known of his designs for Uniflex. Gunther Hoffstead appears to have been a Danish born designer , but apart from his work for Uniflex he seems to be unknown . Peter Hayward was amongst others who designed for Uniflex which was the brand name for L Lazurus.
The Q Range sometimes is found in teak, but mainly it’s seen in this lighter wood which looks like cherry. Stag also used a similar light wood in the early 1960s. Uniflex pieces are always beautifully made, and are better finished than Stag, so they wouldn’t have been cheap when new.
The best test of a good design is whether it still looks modern 50...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cherry
Jiří Jiroutek commode, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s, Czechoslovakia
- Design: J. Jiroutek
- Good original condition.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Black and Brass Keys Commodes and Chest of Drawers, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful design, dresser completely lacquered in black shellac, enhancing the shape of the leg. Beautiful workmanship, and perfect interior finishes.
The chest of drawers is composed of an upper body, with two drawers that can be opened using two splendid brass keys...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Style Large Italian Commode Composed of Seven Drawers
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This large Italian commode features a classic design with seven drawers designed by L.A. Studio. The original wood structure dates back to the 1950s and is elegantly covered with col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid century chest of drawers U-458 by Jiri Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia, 1960´s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid-century chest of drawers, model no. U-458, designed by Jiri Jiroutek. It was made in the 1960´s and produced by “Interier Praha”. This model associated with world-renowned EXPO 5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Beech, Plywood
$1,666 Sale Price
20% Off
Modern Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Westwood, NJ
A two-drawer chest with mixed materials and inspired by modern-day architecture. Pine veneered case with hand-forged iron openwork base.
Dimensions: 44" W x 18" D x 32" H
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
$3,174 / item
Mid-century design chest of drawers
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century design chest of drawers in very good original condition. Wooden frame lined with black glass, the front of the drawers is a mirror.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Glass, Wood
Midcentury Style Solid Wood Murano Glass and Brass Italian Commode
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This Italian commode features a classic design with four drawers. The original wood structure dates back to the 1950s and is elegantly covered with colored glass, adding a touch of v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Model 300-139 Armchairs from Swarzędz Factory, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
This pair of armchairs was produced by the Polish company Swarzędzka Furniture Factory in 60s.The armchairs have new cushions, reupholstered in a quality green fabric. The beech fram...
Category
1960s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Iron and Walnut Chests Designed by Donald Knorr for Vista
By Donald Knorr
Located in Stamford, CT
A great example of California Mid-Century Modern design. Designed by Donald Knorr for Vista. Steel armitures painted black supPorting walnut chests.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century walnut chest of drawers with glass top
Located in Premariacco, IT
1950s bedroom cabinet with four large, sturdy drawers decorated with brass handles and original lock.
The brown glass top is finely decorated and worked, also note the front legs an...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Dresser REEF in Shagreen and Shell Marquetry by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
The REEF 3 drawer dresser is made of sea shell marquetry with shagreen decor on the front of the drawers.
The legs have an old brass patina.
The inter...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Kensington Chest of Drawers Made with Oak, Brass and Glass
Located in Seroa, PT
The Kensington collection is inspired by the British “Neighbourhood” that gives it its name. The Kensington neighborhood is defined by the architecture of the houses, which is identical among all those that fill each street, which makes each avenue different from the others. The traces present in the pieces of the Kensington collection represent the well-defined lines of the facades of the houses in this neighborhood.
The Kensington Chest of Drawers with six drawers features a sober and modern structure, but with luxurious details. The classically inspired touch makes this a timeless piece of furniture. A versatile piece that adds finesse to your bedroom. Ready to combine with the rest of the collection, the Kensington dresser...
Category
2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Cane, Brass and Lacquered Wood Chest by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
Located in New York City, NY
Minimal design with thoughtful detailing. The brass on the legs and handles is beautifully patinated and the cane encasing the handles is tightly woven and in excellent condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1950’s French multi draw cabinet
By Romeo
Located in London, Lambeth
Compact set of 12 storage draws in oak with a Formica top and bottom
Strip.Lovely set of 12 steel round handles.Flexible storage cabinet.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Intertlübke pair of little chest of drawers Germany
Located in Grenoble, FR
Interlübke
Pair of small chest of drawers or bedside table from the Interlüke brand in white laminate, anodized aluminum base, drawers in precious wood veneer
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Formica, Wood
Unique Ovoid Walnut Desk with 3 Drawers
Located in Kensington, MD
Unique Ovoid Walnut Desk with 3 Drawers
Additional information:
Material: Walnut
Unique ovoid-shaped desk top provides visual interest and pl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Price Upon Request
Mid-century Modern commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include Lawson-Fenning, Paul McCobb, Edward Wormley, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $130 and tops out at $128,000 while the average work can sell for $4,174.
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